Last week during the New Jersey auditions on American Idol on FOX, one contestant gained our sympathy prior to his audition, as his poor living conditions were highlighted and it was depicted how bad the Bronx is. Apparently the borough president of the Bronx is not happy about that nor the fact that Jennifer Lopez, who hails from the Bronx sat back and said nothing. Keep reading to hear what Ruben Diaz Jr. had to say when he fired back to the local news!

American Idol on FOX did it’s best to dramatize one hopeful’s negative opinion of the Bronx with video of open hydrants, wailing sirens and a sidewalk candle memorial during last week’s New Jersey auditions. Meanwhile, Jennifer Lopez who was born in the Bronx sat back and did not defend her hometown at all. Bronx borough president, Ruben Diaz Jr is in an uproar over this and he had no problem telling the press about it as he also tells how far the borough has come in recent decades. Ruben called the portrayal on American Idol “worst hatchet job on the borough since Howard Cosell told a national TV audience ‘The Bronx is burning’ three decades ago.”

Ruben Diaz Jr also commented to the press about Jennifer’s lack of words or defense of her home town as he said “There wasn’t even a peep from her defending the Boogie Down. Here, we have a young lady sitting at the panel, someone brought up in Castle Hill, someone to whom the Bronx offered plenty of opportunities, and she did not say a word. Not a peep. Not even a peep!” While Ruben is not thrilled with the show right now, he goes on to say of Travis Orlando, the young man from the Bronx that fans should vote “early and often” for him. He also says “I’m going to be dialing in as much as I can. Unlike a democratic election, you can vote as many times as you like.”

Be sure to tune in Wednesday at 8 pm EST for more auditions on American Idol on FOX!